• Embracing More this Year
    Feb 10 2025

    Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought!

    Join us in our virtual booth as Heidi Franz and Melanie Simpson share our reflections and intentions for the year ahead. We discuss personal stories of letting go of distractions, desires, and our perceived "rights" to grow spiritually. Melanie’s word for the year, "more," represents a desire for more joy and closeness with God, and we talk about setting meaningful spiritual goals.

    In this episode, we explore how godly friendships, like ours, can encourage spiritual growth and help keep us focused. Whether you're striving to model a godly life for your children or build friendships that strengthen your faith, we hope this conversation offers both encouragement and practical insights.

    Get connected with Parenting to Impress:
    Facebook Group: /groups/ABCJLM
    Facebook: /heidi.franz.2911
    Instagram: /abcjesuslovesme/
    Subscribe to Blog & Newsletters: forms.feedblitz.com/5r0

    Thanks for listening!

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    18 mins
  • How to Speak God's Truth Over Your Child's Life
    Jan 26 2025

    Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought!

    In this episode, Heidi and Melanie dive into the power of speaking truth over your children and the lasting impact it can have on their lives. We'll explore what it means to speak truth, why it's so important, and practical ways to begin doing this in your everyday parenting. They'll also share a personal example from Priscilla Shirer that really highlights how meaningful this practice can be. Plus, there's a special Valentine Affirmation printable that ties perfectly into this idea—so stick around to hear more!

    Helpful Links from this Episode:
    Some linked items are affiliate links. This means that we receive an itty-bitty commission if you choose to purchase through these links.

    • Impressing on Children Scripture - Deuteronomy 6:4-9
    • Westminster Catechism for Kids
    • Gideon - Judges 6
    • How to Pray Scripture Over Your Family Podcast Episode
    • I Surrender All by Priscilla Shirer
    • Gideon by Priscilla Shirer
    • One-Liner Free PDF
    • Free Valentine Affirmations printable

    Episode Sponsor: ABCJesusLovesMe.com, an educational ministry that equips adults with the materials needed to be intentional in educating children.

    Get connected with Parenting to Impress:
    Facebook Group: /groups/ABCJLM
    Facebook: /heidi.franz.2911
    Instagram: /abcjesuslovesme/
    Subscribe to Blog & Newsletters: forms.feedblitz.com/5r0

    Thanks for listening!

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    21 mins
  • Empowering Healthy Independence in Your Children
    Oct 13 2024

    Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought!

    Join Melanie and Heidi as they discuss the delicate balance of parenting without over-helping, based on Stanford's research and their own experiences. They emphasize the importance of letting children face challenges to build independence, a strong work ethic, and a sense of purpose. By stepping back, parents can help their kids develop self-regulation, emotional understanding, and responsibility.

    In this episode, you'll learn a practical four-step process inspired by how Jesus taught his disciples, applicable for all ages—from helping a toddler clean up to teaching a teen to drive. With personal stories and insights into how parental control affects children's future, they encourage a supportive rather than controlling approach.

    Helpful Links from this Episode:

    • Free Developmental Checklists
    • Stanford Research
    • Study #2
    • How to Nurture a Strong Work-Ethic in Your Child
    • Guide to Raising Successful Kids
    • How to Build a Heart of Gratitude in a Child
    • 4 Ways to Give Your Child Purpose
    • Teaching a Child Responsibility Through Household Chores
    • You May Be Raising a Selfish Child

    Episode Sponsor: The Be Intentional Planner - the planner created to help you be the intentional woman God has called you to be. Order now for only $15.00

    Get connected with Parenting to Impress:
    Facebook Group: /groups/ABCJLM
    Facebook: /heidi.franz.2911
    Instagram: /abcjesuslovesme/
    Subscribe to Blog & Newsletters: forms.feedblitz.com/5r0

    Thanks for listening!

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    28 mins
  • Simple Steps to Starting a Family Bible Time
    Sep 29 2024

    Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought!

    Let’s do some shocking math for a moment. If your family goes to church for three hours a week, that only accounts for 1.8% of your entire week. While those three hours in corporate worship are vital, we can't hold the church responsible for the spiritual growth of our children. We must bring God's Word into our homes.

    Family Bible time is one more opportunity to consistently nurture your child’s faith beyond Sundays. You aren't creating a mini-church service—just a simple time of learning together who God is and what He does. Discover simple ideas you can begin today as well as tips for working with your spouse and kids who don't want to join the time.

    Helpful Links from this Episode:
    Some linked items are affiliate links. This means that we receive an itty-bitty commission if you choose to purchase through these links.

    • ABCJesusLovesMe Facebook Group
    • Play Dough Recipe
    • Bible Coloring Sheets
    • Preschool Developmentally Appropriate Checklists
    • Sunday School Songs
    • Age-Appropriate Bibles for Kids
    • Deuteronomy 6:4-9
    • The Beginner's Bible
    • Choosing the Best Children's Bible Podcase Episode and Blog Post
    • Interactive Bible Stories for Preschoolers
    • Betty Lukens Flannelgraph
    • YouVersion Kids
    • Seeds Family Worship

    Get connected with Parenting to Impress:
    Facebook Group: /groups/ABCJLM
    Facebook: /heidi.franz.2911
    Instagram: /abcjesuslovesme/
    Subscribe to Blog & Newsletters: forms.feedblitz.com/5r0

    Thanks for listening!

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    23 mins
  • Creating a Structured Home Environment
    Sep 15 2024

    Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought!

    Ever wondered how to create a home environment where respect, trust, and obedience naturally flourish? In our latest episode of Parenting to Impress, we uncover the biblical foundations of family structure and obedience, drawing wisdom from the scriptures.

    And hitting a topic not typically shared in Christian circles, Heidi Franz and Melanie Simpson share encouragement for parents whose children are not following God's desire for their lives.

    Be encouraged and empowered as you join in yet another honesty and transparent conversation among friends.

    Helpful Links from this Episode: Some linked items are affiliate links. This means that this ministry receives an itty-bitty commission if you choose to purchase through these links.

    • Teaching Respect in Your Home Podcast and Blog Post
    • Free Developmental Checklists (Ages 1-5)
      1 year - https://forms.feedblitz.com/imv
      2 year - https://forms.feedblitz.com/imz
      3 year - https://forms.feedblitz.com/in3
      4 year - https://forms.feedblitz.com/in7
      5 year - https://forms.feedblitz.com/inb
    • Love and Logic Early Childhood
    • Parenting Styles (Authoritative)
    • Comparison Podcast
    • Characteristics of a God-Centered Family Podcast with a Youth Group Leader
    • How to Survive Restaurants and Church with Wiggly Kids Video
    • Grace and Truth Discipline Video Series


    Get connected with Parenting to Impress:
    Facebook Group: /groups/ABCJLM
    Facebook: /heidi.franz.2911
    Instagram: /abcjesuslovesme/
    Subscribe to Blog & Newsletters: forms.feedblitz.com/5r0

    Thanks for listening!

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    25 mins
  • Teaching Respect in Your Home: A Biblical Perspective
    Sep 3 2024

    Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought!

    Why do children sometimes show more respect to one parent than the other? In this episode we will take a dive into various parenting styles—uninvolved, permissive, authoritarian, and authoritative—exploring how each impacts the level of respect children show parents. You'll gain valuable insights into teaching children what respect truly looks like, all through the lens of biblical principles and the importance of seeing each family member as an image bearer of God.

    Join us on this eye-opening episode of Parenting to Impress as we tackle this intriguing question and uncover the hidden links between respect, tone, and body language within the home.

    Helpful Links from this Episode:

    • Are You Raising a Spoiled Child?
    • Bible Verses about Respecting the Government
    • How to Raise Children Who Serve

    Get connected with Parenting to Impress:
    Facebook Group: /groups/ABCJLM
    Facebook: /heidi.franz.2911
    Instagram: /abcjesuslovesme/
    Subscribe to Blog & Newsletters: forms.feedblitz.com/5r0

    Thanks for listening!

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    18 mins
  • How Do You Teach Kids to Pray?
    Aug 18 2024

    Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought!

    What if teaching your child to pray could be as simple and joyful as blowing bubbles?

    Heidi and Melanie share their experiences in teaching their children to pray, provide suggestions on introducing prayer to your kids, and motivate you to begin this meaningful journey, regardless of your children's age.

    Helpful Links from this Episode:
    Some linked items are affiliate links. This means that we receive an itty-bitty commission if you choose to purchase through these links.

    • How to Pray the Scriptures Podcast Episode
    • Prayer Songs (10 Fingers Folded in Prayer)
    • Creating a Prayer Journal
    • I Can Talk with God by Debby Anderson (While we didn't discuss this book in the podcast, it is an excellent children's book to explain prayer to children.)
    • How to Teach a Child to Pray

    Episode Sponsor: ABCJesusLovesMe.com, an educational ministry that equips adults with the materials needed to be intentional in educating children.

    Get connected with Parenting to Impress:
    Facebook Group: /groups/ABCJLM
    Facebook: /heidi.franz.2911
    Instagram: /abcjesuslovesme/
    Subscribe to Blog & Newsletters: forms.feedblitz.com/5r0

    Thanks for listening!

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    19 mins
  • What's a Christian to Do with the Enneagram?
    Aug 4 2024

    Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought!

    Dive into the intersection of faith and personality as the Parenting to Impress Podcast duo discusses the spiritual implications and use of the Enneagram. Addressing concerns about its possible evil origins, we explore how Christians can thoughtfully approach and utilize this tool used to understand the nine personality types. Join us as we explore what a Christian is to do with the Enneagram and its potential for spiritual growth, parenting, and healthy relationships.

    Helpful Links from this Episode: Some linked items are affiliate links. This means that we receive an itty-bitty commission if you choose to purchase through these links.

    • Free Enneagram Cheat Sheet
    • Road Back to You by Ian Morgan Cron
    • The Enneagram for Teens by Ainsley Britain
    • Should Self-Help Books be Used in Your Quiet Time podcast episode and blog post

    Episode Sponsor: ABCJesusLovesMe.com, an educational ministry that equips adults with the materials needed to be intentional in educating children.

    Get connected with Parenting to Impress:
    Facebook Group: /groups/ABCJLM
    Facebook: /heidi.franz.2911
    Instagram: /abcjesuslovesme/
    Subscribe to Blog & Newsletters: forms.feedblitz.com/5r0

    Thanks for listening!

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    25 mins